EPA to require Norfolk Southern to conduct dioxin test at East Palestine train crash site

In response to health and safety concerns from East Palestine, Ohio residents, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it would require Norfolk Southern to test the fire train crash site for dioxins, the agency said.

EPA said The agency will order an immediate cleanup of an area if dioxins presenting an “unacceptable risk to human health and the environment” are found in the area, the agency said in a statement, adding that it would oversee any possible cleanup.

The EPA said Norfolk Southern would also need to conduct a baseline study that would compare dioxin levels around East Palestine with dioxin levels in other areas unaffected by the Feb. 3 crash.

Environmental Protection Agency administrator Michael Reagan said he came to his decision after speaking directly with East Palestinians.

“Over the past few weeks, I have sat with East Palestinians and public figures in their homes, businesses, churches and schools,” Regan said in a statement. “I heard their concerns and concerns directly, and I promised that this experience will contribute to EPA’s ongoing response efforts.”

The EPA said that as of Feb. 28, the agency had collected air, soil and water samples from the potentially affected area to test for “indicator chemicals” such as chlorobenzenes and chlorophenols, which suggest a potential release of dioxins attributed to the contamination. crash.

No one was hurt when 38 Norfolk Southern vehicles derailed in a fiery, mangled mess on the outskirts of town on Feb. 3, but as concerns grew over a possible explosion from dangerous chemicals in the 10 derailed vehicles, officials evacuated the area. They later decided to release and burn the toxic vinyl chloride from the tank cars, causing the flames and black smoke to rise into the sky again.

Federal and state officials have repeatedly said that evacuees can safely return to the area, and that air tests in the city and hundreds of homes have not revealed any dangerous levels of pollutants. The state said the local municipal drinking water system is safe and bottled water is available to those with private wells. Despite these assurances, many residents expressed a sense of disbelief or questioned what they had been exposed to and how it would affect the future of their families and communities.

Content Source

News Press Ohio – Latest News:
Columbus Local News || Cleveland Local News || Ohio State News || National News || Money and Economy News || Entertainment News || Tech News || Environment News

Related Articles

Back to top button